European Silver Fir
OTHER NAME(S): Belinal, Silver Fir, Abies alba, Abies alba f. pendula, Abies alba f. pyramidalis, Fir Tree, Spruce, Fir Needle Oil, Abeto Plateado Europeo, Sapin Blanc D'europe
Overview
European silver fir is an evergreen, coniferous tree. People use fresh shoots, oil extracted from the needles, and extracts of the wood and bark to make medicine.
People use European silver fir for the common cold, cough, swelling (inflammation) of the main airways in the lung (bronchitis), and sore throat, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
European silver fir might act as a germ-killer. It might also help control blood sugar levels.
European silver fir might act as a germ-killer. It might also help control blood sugar levels.
Uses
Insufficient Evidence for
- Swelling (inflammation) of the main airways in the lung (bronchitis).
- Common cold.
- Cough.
- Diabetes.
- Muscle pain.
- Nerve pain.
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
- Sore throat.
- Stress.
- Tuberculosis.
- Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of European silver fir for these uses.
Side Effects
When taken by mouth: There isn't enough reliable information to know if European silver fir is safe or what the side effects might be.
When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if European silver fir is safe or what the side effects might be.
Precautions
When taken by mouth: There isn't enough reliable information to know if European silver fir is safe or what the side effects might be.
When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if European silver fir is safe or what the side effects might be.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if European silver fir is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Interactions
We currently have no information for European Silver Fir overview.
Dosing
The appropriate dose of European silver fir depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for European silver fir. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.
References
- Blumenthal M, ed. The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Trans. S. Klein. Boston, MA: American Botanical Council, 1998.
- Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.
- Lanzerstorfer A, Hackl M, Schlömer M, Rest B, Deutsch-Grasl E, Lanzerstorfer C. The influence of air-dispersed essential oils from lemon (Citrus limon) and silver fir (Abies alba) on airborne bacteria and fungi in hospital rooms. J Environ Sci Health A Tox Hazard Subst Environ Eng 2019;54(3):256-60. doi: 10.1080/10934529.2018.1546498.
- Lunder M, Roskar I, Hosek J, Strukelj B. Silver fir (Abies alba) extracts inhibit enzymes involved in blood glucose management and protect against oxidative stress in high glucose environment. Plant Foods Hum Nutr 2019;74(1):47-53. doi: 10.1007/s11130-018-0698-6.
- Sirše M, Fokter SK, Štrukelj B, Zupan J. Silver fir (Abies alba L.) polyphenolic extract shows beneficial influence on chondrogenesis in vitro under normal and inflammatory conditions. Molecules 2020;25(20):4616.
- Leone K, Micheletto M, Di Maira G, Tedesco E, Benetti F, Zaloker U. Role of a novel silver fir (Abies alba) extract, Abigenol(®)/AlbiPhenol(®), in modulating cardiovascular disorders: Key factors. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022;11(4):618.
- Debeljak J, Ferk P, Cokolic M, et al. Randomised, double blind, cross-over, placebo and active controlled human pharmacodynamic study on the influence of silver fir wood extract (Belinal) on post-prandial glycemic response. Pharmazie. 2016;71(10):566-569.